This past weekend I attended the trade tasting of Chicago Pinot Days 2014 held in the massive Lakeview Terrace of Navy Pier overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. This sunny yet cold day brought out around 200 trade and media wine lovers and 800 consumers afterwards to taste wine from approximately 60 wineries located in mostly California and Oregon. I was able to sample plenty of Pinot Noir crafted in a variety of styles and expressing the nuances of the terroir and the techniques of the winemaker. Upon returning home and reviewing my notes, it was incredibly difficult to choose my favorites among the impressive selections I tasted. The 2012 vintage was superb but I enjoyed outstanding wines from other years as well. But I accomplished the daunting task (the problems we wine bloggers have…) and am happy to share what I consider the “wow” wines I enjoyed. If you are a Pinot Noir lover or just want to learn about a new wine, check out the websites of each winery for more detailed information and don’t forget to find a bottle for yourself!
Willakenzie Estate 2012 Pinot Gris – 100% estate grown Pinot Gris from Oregon’s Willamette Valley was crisp with tropical fruit aromas and flavors of citrus and stone fruit. Well balanced with a satin like mouth feel, lovely finish, this Pinot Gris was perfect after so many red wine tastings! $21.
MacPhail Rosé of Pinot Noir 2012 – From western Sonoma County, the rosé was incredibly aromatic with roses, ripe strawberries, and juicy peaches delivered front and center on the palate. Gather your friends for a porch party and serve this keeper cold and often. $20.
Van Duzer Pinot Noir Rosé 2013 – Served perfectly chilled, I finished the tasting with this rosé from the Willamette Valley. Ripe strawberries and raspberries with a touch of grapefruit tickled my nose and my taste buds loved more of the same. Lively with just the right amount of acidity, this anytime sipper begged for another pour… $17-$20.
de Coelo 2012 Arbore Sacra – From the Benziger family, the de Coelo vineyards are on a hilltop five miles from the Pacific Ocean just north of Bodega Bay in the western portion of Sonoma County. The Arbore Sacra was soft with juicy red fruits, the minerality I love, and acidic raciness all of which brightened the nose and palate. Its velvety finish was completely satisfying. $75.
Cornerstone Oregon Pinot Noir 2010 – I was thrilled to taste this wine from the Willamette Valley vineyards of Cornerstone Cellars. Its brilliant aromas of cherries, raspberries, touch of strawberries, chocolate, and earth led to a complex taste profile of more cherries and chocolate with dark fruits and toast. The finish was long lasting and made me think “ahhhhh”! $50.
Small Vines Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir 2012 – Admittedly “flying under the radar”, wines from Paul Sloan, Vigneron, were delicious. I loved the Estate Cuvee from four different estate vineyards in Sonoma County. From whole cluster grapes, the aromatics were incredible and tastes were vibrant and deep with those rich red fruits and element of spice along with caramel notes. This wine had a silky texture which was mesmerizing. $55.
Siduri Pinot Noir 2012 – This Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands enticed me once again with ripe red fruits, sweet spice, and floral aromas and tastes. Complex with an expression of fruit you’ll love and a lingering finish, wines from Siduri have never disappointed me and this Pinot Noir falls smack dab into that category. $32.
Pangloss Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2012 – I loved the wines I tried from a newcomer to the tasting: Pangloss located in Glen Ellen. My favorite was a current release produced from grapes grown in Anderson Valley considered by many as one of the most “notable growing regions for Pinot Noir in the New World”. The Pangloss Pinot Noir 2012 exhibited a balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins with plenty of earth notes and a clean, fresh style. $29.
Sanford Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard 2010 – Along with the ripe juicy cherries and raspberries, aromas of licorice leapt from the glass. More dark cherries, earth notes, rich tannins and balanced acidity contributed to the structure of this oh-so-smooth Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills. $65.
Cheers to a terrific glass of Pinot Noir! ~ Cindy
